Clearfield County is home to 102 miles of the West Branch Susquehanna River. The Moshannon State Forest covers about 187,000 acres in the northern part of the county and also extends into Cameron and Elk counties. The Quehanna Wilderness Area is shared by the Moshannon and Elk State Forests and offers peace and solitude across nearly 50,000 acres. Forests, hiking trails, river activities and rock formations offer a range of experiences—a good basis for exploring Clearfield according to your own interests in nature and culture.
Hiking Trails and Winter Routes
The Quehanna Trail is 75 miles long and passes through Moshannon and Elk State Forests. It begins at Parker Dam State Park. Two blue-blazed connecting trails and numerous yellow-blazed side trails add another 30 miles to the network. Moshannon State Forest has more than 244 miles of remote wilderness trails in total. These include the Quehanna Trail and the Allegheny Front Trail, which are designated for hiking only. The different distances therefore refer to the main trail, additional trails and the forest’s larger trail network.
Winter is also part of the trail network: Moshannon State Forest offers 56 miles of cross-country ski trails. Environmental education and interpretation programs take place year-round at Parker Dam State Park. If you are interested in nature education, you can plan these programs as a focus alongside hiking. By contrast, the eastern and western ends of the Houtzdale Line Trail are in poor condition. As surface conditions can change, check the trail’s condition before your trip. The Clearfield to Grampian Rail Trail has access points in Clearfield, Curwensville and Grampian.
The West Branch Susquehanna River
The West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail covers 228 miles, from Cherry Tree in Indiana County to Sunbury in Northumberland County. Fishing and paddling opportunities are available along the water trail. A different figure is relevant when considering the river in Clearfield County: 102 miles of the West Branch Susquehanna River lie within the county. Upstream sections in Cambria and Clearfield counties also support populations of wild brook trout.
River Walk is a one-mile park along the West Branch Susquehanna River. Its launch area provides a place to set out by canoe or kayak; fishing and swimming in the river are also possible there. Longer explorations on the Water Trail are complemented by a dedicated park with amenities at the launch. The places and routes mentioned have different lengths and endpoints—compare them when planning your time on the water.
Rock Formations and Local History
Bilger’s Rocks combines a geological feature with trails around the site: this 20-acre sandstone rock city is 300 million years old and includes rooms and passageways. The rocks and their passages contrast with the region’s expansive forests and long trails. The Coalport Area Coal Museum displays artifacts from the early days of manually loading bituminous coal. At Parker Dam, the Lou and Helen Adams Civilian Conservation Corps Museum shares information about the lives and times of the Civilian Conservation Corps members. Check the museums’ operating details before visiting; the CCC Museum’s seasonal details should be taken into account.
Clearfield’s architectural history can also be seen in specific places: the Old Town Historic District comprises four blocks of Victorian homes dating from 1860 to 1890. The Clearfield County Historical Society Museum houses collections on the county’s settlement and development. In Curwensville, the public 18-hole Eagles Ridge Golf Course sits above the Susquehanna River—another way to spend your time differently from hiking or water trails. At Starr Hill, visitors can tour the entire wine-making process; check current operating details before your trip.
Getting Here and Finding Your Way
Clearfield and DuBois are located in central Pennsylvania along I-80. Route 219 and US 322 provide access to both places. The natural and cultural attractions vary in scale and character, from the long Quehanna Trail and the river Water Trail to museums, a historic district and individual recreational activities. Searching for hotels in Clearfield can go hand in hand with planning a trip that leaves room for your own interests.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Clearfield, Penfield, Dubois, Ramey, Luzerne, Fulton County, Montgomery, Monroe.
For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.
